IN CHIAPAS, AN OUTREACH TO INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
Francis’ words prompt tears as he notes how many have been forced to the margins
“Some have considered your values, culture and traditions to be inferior. ... How sad this is!”
On Monday, as Pope Francis continued his journey through Mexico, he visited Chiapas, the country’s southernmost state on the border with Guatemala.
Thousands of people, including representatives of the indigenous communities of the state, gathered to celebrate a Mass at the municipal sports center in San Cristobal de las Casas. Throughout the crowd, many were openly crying while the pope spoke of how some of their groups had been marginalized by society and of the importance of living harmoniously with nature.
“Some have considered your values, culture and traditions to be inferior,” the pope said. “Others, intoxicated by power, money and market trends, have stolen your lands or contaminated them. How sad this is! How worthwhile it would be for each of us to examine our conscience and learn to say, ‘forgive me,’ ‘forgive me, brothers and sisters!’ Today’s world, ravaged as it is by a throwaway culture, needs you!”
Even as the pope’s visit prompted tears, the Mass in San Cristobal de las Casas had a festive air. Music from wooden xylophones and a mariachi band punctuated the celebration with jubilant sounds that echoed around the valley. Many in attendance chanted and waved handkerchiefs in the sky, against a multicolored mountain backdrop.
“Long live Papa Francisco!” one man shouted toward the end. “Long live the pope of peace! Long live the pope of liberty!”
Later Monday, the pope also planned to visit with families in Tuxtla Gutierrez, the state capital. Chiapas has been the main entry point for thousands of families and unaccompanied minors fleeing violence in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala trying to reach the United States.
He planned to return to Mexico City on Monday night.
As expected, the pope has spoken on a number of sensitive topics during his visit, including drug violence, immigration and problems within the Catholic church.
Saturday, the pope began his first full day of activities with a meeting with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto. Later that day, the pontiff celebrated Holy Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico’s beloved patron saint.
During his speech to Mexican bishops at Mexico City’s cathedral, he offered advice to address infighting and political jockeying among the group that governs the church in the country.
“If you have to fight, fight. If you have to tell each other off, say it,” he told the bishops. “But do it as men, face to face. Just be sure to maintain the unity of the episcopate. But as men of God, pray together, and if you crossed the line, ask for forgiveness.”
On Sunday, Francis traveled to Ecatepec, a crime-ridden and impoverished suburb of Mexico City. During his homily, the pope denounced “the three temptations” of wealth, vanity and pride, and he alluded to the drug lords that have controlled the city — but did not venture into Ecatepec’s neighborhoods.
He will conclude the visit Wednesday with a Mass in Juarez, near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Pope Francis